SAMMY Ameobi’s FA Cup rocket against Sheffield United arrived just minutes after a half-time dressing down from manager Phil Parkinson.

The on-loan Wanderers winger scored one of the goals of the second round in a 3-2 victory over the Blades to leave Wanderers fans singing his name once again.

But the popular Newcastle United star had been given some choice words at the interval after allowing a few passes to go astray in the opening exchanges.

And Parkinson reckons Ameobi will have learned a lesson with how he responded to the early setbacks to take a dominant role in the game.

“He had a terrible start in the first 10 minutes and in a strange sort of way that is part of his learning curve,” Parkinson explained.

“Sometimes you will start games poorly but you have to come through that and it was something I sat him down and said at half time.

“The only thing I was disappointed with was that he let it distract him too much at the start of the game. You have to get it out of your mind and concentrate so that the next time the ball comes to you, you are ready to retain possession.

“Gradually as the half wore on he came through it and got a fantastic goal in the second period.

“If you look at the cup goals over the course of the weekend I doubt you’d find a better one that that.”

Ameobi now has three goals for Wanderers this season and is starting to become a terrace favourite at the Macron.

It was revealed at the start of last month that the Whites had asked Newcastle about extending the 24-year-old’s loan and reports on Tyneside have hinted that he is unlikely to return to St James’ Park.

But Parkinson did not want to be drawn into a discussion on potential signings after the game – and wants his players to keep their focus on the festive fixture run after being given Monday and Tuesday off work.

“I want to get back in on Wednesday and concentrate on the Gillingham game,” he said. “Winning is a great habit to get into and of course beating one of our closest rivals is important, even though it was the cup.

“Financially getting into the third round is a big thing for any club at any level because this is still the biggest money-spinner outside of the league for most of us.

“I wanted a cup run. We went out in the first round of the league cup and then in the Checkatrade Trophy – even though there wasn’t that much drama made about that one.

“I think it is important to be competitive in any competition you enter. It is great for the club, great for the fans. But it’s back to work on Wednesday and making sure we keep things going.

“No-one is getting ahead of themselves here. We need to keep doing the things that got us on a good run. There’s a good feeling around the training ground at among those who work at the Macron Stadium and we want to keep that.

“The club has had some tough times of late and there’s a smile on everyone’s face, they are enjoying coming to work.”